Month: March 2022

Home Fire Prevention for New Condo Owners

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Just bought your first condo? These fire prevention tips will help keep it safe! 

Home Fire Prevention Tips

Smoke Alarms

The first tip for preventing a condo fire is catching the fire before it starts, which begins with having smoke alarms.

Installing smoke alarms in your condo is essential for safety.

Make sure you have multiple smoke alarms in your condo in different areas to catch smoke as it’s beginning.

If you are alerted that a fire is about to start, you can put it out and save yourself from disaster.

Additionally, make sure you’re frequently testing your smoke alarms and changing out the batteries annually.

Be Aware of Heat Sources

Knowing your heat sources and keeping them clear is another major preventative measure you can take in your condo.

This may seem obvious, but it’s very easy to leave flammable items too close to sources of heat, leading to fires.

Space heaters, ovens, electrical outlets, and radiators should all be considered when you’re thinking about the heat sources in your condo.

Leaving curtains, dishtowels, clothes, or paper too close to one of these heat sources for prolonged periods of time is a big risk and can lead to fire.

Make sure you’re mindful of how you set up your condo to prevent a fire accident.

Monitor Open Flames

Whether you’re a smoker or a lover of candles, any time you’re lighting a match or using a lighter in your condo, you’re taking on a risk.

Be extremely careful and consider habits that may seem safe if monitored actively, but can lead to danger over time.

If you like to have candles going constantly, odds are one day you may leave to run an errand with that candle still lit. If you smoke inside your condo, there’s a chance you may fall asleep while smoking one night. These may be extreme cases, but you can lower these odds significantly by reducing habits that involve flames inside your condo.

If you are a smoker, smoke outside. If you like candles, make sure you’re using them infrequently in well ventilated areas.

Do Routine Safety Checks

Your condo has a number of heating and electrical components you depend on for your day to day activities.

If not checked over time, all of these systems can malfunction and create risk.

In addition to smoke alarms, make sure you’re conducting routine maintenance on all of the utilities in your condo.

Check electrical wiring and outlets to make sure everything is covered and isn’t overloaded. Set a carbon monoxide alarm and have routine maintenance checks on your furnace or other heat sources. Get rid of old papers and junk that you don’t need.

This will keep your space clean and safe from unnecessary flammable materials.

These are just a few tips to keep your condo safe from fires. We recommend visiting fire safety resources such as the American Red Cross and the Chicago Fire Department for continuing education on this subject!

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Spring Maintenance Checklist for Condo Owners

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Spring is the perfect time for cleanups and general maintenance, especially for condo owners.  With the air getting warmer and daylight hours growing longer, you get more opportunities to head back outside to ensure everything is clean, safe, and in order.

Not sure where to start? In this article, we’ve come up with a maintenance checklist for condo owners like you.

Off With the Grime

Spring cleaning and maintenance is never complete without proper scrubbing of all things dirty. This is not just limited to every room and corner of your condo, but also for outside overhangs, the yard, and even window installations. In doing so, you can not only remove potential fire hazards, but you can also spot potential leakages and other signs of wear and tear.

Windows and Doors

  • Are the windows clean from the inside, including the hinges and knobs?
  • Are the windows clean from the outside?
  • Is there any broken glass that needs replacement?
  • Are the door hinges and locks working properly both inside and outside?

Windows are one of the quickest and easiest to clean and spot for any maintenance.  While you can clean the inside of the windows yourself, it’s better off to leave doors and the exterior of windows to the experts.  They have the proper equipment and ample training to carry out the tasks for your safety and convenience.

Roofing, Gutters, and Sidings

  • Have downspouts and gutters been cleaned and flushed with water?
  • Brush or clean your overhangs. Are its soffits and fascia free of any signs of insects, rodents, or birds?
  • Brush or clean the sidings. Do they indicate any signs of being “lived in” by insects like wasps, birds, and such?

While you can easily clean your sidings with long-handled scrub brushes, working with your overhangs is better left up to the professionals.

Dryer Vents and Exhaust Fans

  • Are the dryer vents clean and free of lint?
  • Have the HVAC filters been replaced?
  • Have the HVAC units been tuned up and maintained?

Dryer vents and exhaust fans are magnets for lint, grease, fumes, and other substances which can affect your condo’s airflow and subsequently, your energy bills. These particles are also potential fire hazards and can be a potential breeding grounds for toxic microbes.

While dryer vents and filters can be cleaned by yourself, HVAC units typically need to be regularly checked and tuned up to ensure your unit lasts long and runs properly.

Water System

  • Clean faucet aerators and shower heads.  Are the sprinklers still working?
  • Flush pipes and drainages. Does the water lead away from the house properly?
  • Is there any residue or smell indicating rust or wear and tear within the system?

Flushing is an initial way of checking for any problems within your pipes and drainage. If any indications of rust or an unpleasant smell is present, you might want to seek advice from professional maintenance services.

Mind the Gap

Once you’ve gone through the lists above for general cleanup, you’ll then want to be sure to check for cracks, breaks, and leaks inside and outside your condo. These gaps are indicators of wear and tear and if left unattended to, they could cause more problems as your condo unit gets exposed to the drastic weather changes of spring and the upcoming summer.

Chimneys and Air Vents

  • Are there any cracks, dents, broken bits, or loose mortar?
  • Are there any leaks in the metal flashing?
  • If the chimney or air duct is metal, are there signs of rust?
  • Are there signs of moisture penetration?

If you said “yes” to any of these questions, then you may need to have these checked out by a professional.

Caulk

Caulking, or caulk, is a sealant used to ensure no moisture, weather elements, molds, mildew, or any unwanted substances leak through the joints and pipes. From windows to pipes, it is important to check for any potential leaks or intrusions:

  • Windows: Particularly between the glass and window frames.
  • Doors: This is especially true for glass doors. Check if handles are properly screwed and glass caulk is still intact.
  • Gutters and pipes: Joints and unions in particular.
  • Vents and exhausts: Screws, bolts, and other fasteners should still be in place and not loose or rusty.
  • Bathroom caulking: These include washbasins, pipes, drainage, and even your toilet.
  • HVAC: If it’s centralized with the entire building you may need to contact your homeowners’ association should there be any problem.

Ideally caulk should last 5+ years, but if you see or suspect any possible signs of deterioration, you may need to look into getting it repaired.

How to Spot for Leaks

As a homeowner, it’s important to know the early indications of leaks so you can save on potential costly repairs.

  • Warped wood: Warped wood is a sign of moisture intrusion.
  • Molds and mildew: Although molds and mildew could be due to overflowing washing machines, this could also be possibly caused by nearby leaks (i.e. the roof or the pipes in the ceiling).
  • Window indicators: Window leaks are often characterized by molds and mildew, hard-to-remove glass stains, and oxidation on frames.
  • Flaking paint: Like warped wood, bumps and flakes in the paint could be an indication of moisture intrusion.
  • Musty smell: You can sense it whenever you crack a window open or switch on your HVAC.
  • Damp spots and stains: Leaks, when in the ceiling, tend to form damp and stained brownish spots. On wallpapers and panels, they could appear as faded stains or discolorations.
  • Energy bill fluctuations in the past months: High energy bills may also mean leaks on windows and doors.

Other things to Consider

There are few other things that are important to check and maintain while you’re in the midst of your spring cleaning and upkeep, including:

  • Testing thermostats and ensuring they are in good working condition.
  • Patios or balconies are scrubbed and removed of any overgrowth, making sure no water runoffs disturb the neighbors below, if there are any.
  • Railings are checked for any repainting, repairs, or replacements needed.

Spring cleaning and repair for condo owners is no walk in the park, which is why a Spring Maintenance checklist is a must!

Although you can do some of this work yourself, it is always best to have an experienced professional come and take a second look if you are ever unsure. Doing so will make your condo not just livable, but also a comfortable, energy-saving, and safe place to live in.

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Thank you to Mighty Dog Roofing for writing this guest post.

For over 20 years, Mighty Dog Roofing has been providing high quality roofing services across the country. Our qualified and certified experts can handle roof repair and roof replacement, ensuring that your home has everything it needs to give you a beautiful, comfortable place to live.

If you’re living in or near Columbus, OH, contact Mighty Dog Roofing for your home maintenance needs!

Spring Cleaning Your Condo: 7 Tips to Consider

Posted on by LLCR Staff

It’s that time of year again: time to clean up the clutter and get organized! If you’re like most people, your condo could probably use a good spring cleaning. But where do you start? And more importantly, what should you focus on?

In this blog post, we will discuss seven tips for spring cleaning your condo. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to declutter your space and get it organized in no time!

Tip 1: Start with a Closet Clean-Up

Start with cleaning up and taking out everything from your closet. Yes, everything. Even if it’s just for a few hours, empty your closet and give it a good cleaning. This will give you a chance to vacuum or sweep the floor, dust the shelves, and wipe down the walls.

While everything is out of your closet, take this opportunity to sort through your clothes and get rid of anything you don’t wear anymore. Donate clothes that are in good condition or throw away any that are stained or torn. Once you’ve sorted through your clothes, put them back in an organized way so that you can easily find what you’re looking for when you need it.

Tip 2: Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

Next, focus on decluttering your surfaces. Start with countertops, coffee tables, dressers, nightstands, etc. Check every item and give some thought to if you need or not. If it’s not necessary to keep it, then get rid of it. Donate items that are in good condition or throw them away if they’re not.

Once you’ve decluttered your surfaces, move on to decluttering your storage areas. This includes closets, cabinets, drawers, pantries, etc. Again, go through each item and ask yourself if you need it. If the answer is no, get rid of it!

Tip 3: Create a Cleaning Schedule

One of the best ways to keep your condo clean is to create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Whether you clean once a week or once a month, having a schedule will help you stay on track.

Not sure where to start? Check out this blog post for some tips on creating a cleaning schedule that works for you.

Tip 4: Don’t Forget the Small Things

While you’re focused on decluttering and cleaning your condo, don’t forget about the little things! This includes items like light fixtures, doorknobs, switch plates, air vents, etc.

These are often overlooked but they can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your space. Take some time to dust or wipe down these items and you’ll be surprised at how much better your condo looks and feels.

Tip 5: Get Rid of Dust and Pet Hair

Another important tip for spring cleaning your condo is to focus on getting rid of dust and pet hair. This can be a tedious task but it’s important to do if you want to keep your condo looking and feeling clean.

Start by dusting all of your surfaces, including countertops, tables, chairs, dressers, etc. Then vacuum or sweep all of your floors. If you have any upholstered furniture, be sure to vacuum or steam clean it as well. And last but not least, don’t forget to dust and vacuum those hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans, baseboards, and under furniture.

Tip 6: Wash Your Windows

Washing your windows is a great way to let in more light and make your space feel brighter and cleaner. If you don’t have time to wash them yourself, hire a professional window washer to do it for you. Either way, make sure you get those windows clean!

Tip 7: Don’t Forget the Outdoors!

Last but not least, don’t forget to focus on the outdoors as well. This includes sweeping your porch or balcony, cleaning your gutters, and trimming any bushes or trees. A little bit of cleaning for your outdoor space can go a long way in making your whole condo look and feel more inviting.

Bonus Tip: Use Natural Cleaners Whenever Possible

When it comes to cleaning your condo, it’s important to use natural cleaners whenever possible. This is not only better for the environment but it’s also better for your health.

There are a lot of great DIY recipes online for natural cleaners that you can use for just about every cleaning task. So ditch the chemicals and go natural! Your condo (and your body) will thank you.

Time to Clean!

So there you have it, seven tips to consider when spring cleaning your condo. By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to having the cleanest and most organized condo in a flash.

With a little bit of planning and effort, you can have your condo looking and feeling its best in no time. Happy cleaning!

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Thank you to RedBox+ for writing this guest post.

Spring cleaning is best paired with a dumpster for a more organized and smoother clean-up process. The reason for this is that it allows you to get rid of all the unwanted junk and clutter in one go, rather than having to haul it out piece by piece.

This will save you time and energy in the long run, trust us! If you’re living in or near Columbus, OH, contact RedBox+ now to rent a dumpster!

Prep Your Fall Home Maintenance Schedule With These Tips

Posted on by LLCR Staff

As seasons change, home maintenance projects often require homeowners’ attention. You can get ahead of the game by proactively planning your fall home maintenance schedule!

Fall Home Maintenance Schedule

Check out some of our top tips for preparing your place for the colder weather:

  1.  Check and change your air filters– This task should be done every three months, so having it completed at the start of every new season will help you remember! If you have severe allergies or pets, filters may need to be changed more frequently. You can purchase new filters from any home improvement store or online. Check out Amazon for easy and affordable options. Just make sure to buy the right size! It may also be worth stocking up and storing your extra filters for future replacements.
  2. Clean the vents- While air filters help catch dust and debris, you may want to turn off your HVAC system and use a duster, soft cloth, or vacuum to clean the vents. Like a clean air filter, it will allow clean air to flow through your condo once you turn on the furnace.
  3. Clean your secondary dryer lint trap– This task has a few distinct benefits. It can prolong the life of your dryer, improve your machine’s ability to dry clothes quickly, and help keep energy bills down. Effectively cleaning this lint trap is fairly easy but requires a few steps. Remove the lint screen and use a handheld vacuum (if you have one) to remove leftover bits of lint. After, wash it in the sink with warm soap and water. While the lint trap is drying, try to use your vacuum to clean the slot the lint trap fits into.
  4. Clean inside window tracks and frame- It may be hard to spot the dust and dirt that collects within and around your windows, but it’s there! Ideally, you want to do a thorough clean at least twice a year- so why not cross this off your list before the winter comes? If you have exterior windows that are not accessible, HOA fees should include this type of cleaning, but it’s worth confirming.
  5. Clean and clear off the outdoor space- If you have a patio or balcony, this is the time to prepare it for the winter months – as you definitely want the space cleared before the snow comes. Remove or cover any outdoor furniture and decor, and clean up any garbage or loose debris.

We hope you feel confident to move forward with your fall home maintenance schedule with these five steps!

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Condo Repairs – Who Pays for What Damage?

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Who pays for different types of damage when you live in a condo? We’ll break it down for you here. There are many different types of damage that can occur when owning a condo and it’s not always clear which responsibilities fall on the condo owner and which fall on the HOA.

Condo Repairs – Who Pays for What Damage?

As an overview, the HOA (Homeowners Association) fees usually cover the common or shared areas of a building while the condo owner is typically responsible for anything inside their unit. Let’s take a look at a few specific scenarios below!

Water Damage

Almost all plumbing issues within the unit will fall on the condo owner.

Leaky faucets, broken sinks, and issues with toilets are the responsibilities of the condo owner. If you have access to any of these damaged features in your unit, it is your responsibility to fix these issues as a condo owner.

If you have water damage in your unit that affects another unit, like your downstairs neighbor, you are also responsible for paying that damage.

On the flip side, the HOA will be responsible for repairing any large plumbing issues central to the building.

Any issues that affect multiple units, that are not directly due to an issue within one unit, will be handled by the HOA.

HVAC

Knowing whether HVAC repairs fall under the responsibility of the condo owner or HOA can be tricky.

For HVAC central to the entire building, the HOA will be responsible.

If you are in a unit where you have your own HVAC system, but the duct work is outside of your unit or more central to the building, it can be less clear where this responsibility belongs. In these cases, even if the HVAC is specific to your unit, but accessing the ductwork is not possible from your unit, this will probably fall on the HOA.

For some older Chicago condos, you may be responsible for a window air conditioning unit if your condo does not have central HVAC.

Pests

Any presence of bed bugs, mice, or critters can be alarming if you’re a condo owner!

Within your unit, you are responsible for pest control. However, if the issue seems to be bigger than just your unit, or as a result of a common area situation that is breeding pests, this may fall on the HOA to resolve.

If you are having issues with pests in your unit, odds are that you aren’t the only one. Talk to your HOA and neighbors and see if others are also having this issue, in which case you all can work together to get everything resolved!

Ultimately, be sure to read your HOA rules and regulations in detail to make sure you understand your responsibilities as a condo owner vs. what is covered in your HOA fees. Prompt communication of any issues to your HOA is always the best place to start if you think something might be affecting multiple units. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you have issues in your condo and communicate with your HOA to promptly get any issues repaired!

Looking for a Chicago condo? Connect with a Luxury Living broker to start your search!

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How Much is the Typical Condo Down Payment?

Posted on by LLCR Staff

Before setting off on your search for a new condo, you’ll need an idea of how much to save for a down payment. Here is what you can expect for the typical condo down payment.

Condo Down Payments Explained

Typical Percentages for Condo Down Payments

There are a lot of young homebuyers right now averaging between 5% and 10% down as a down payment.

In certain cases with first time homebuyers, individuals are even able to put down as low as 3% on their first home.

For first time buyers, using this percentage estimation based off of asking price is a great place to start. If you can afford to put between 5% and 10% down on your first home, odds are there is a mortgage out there you can afford.

One thing to keep in mind in a competitive housing market is that the more you are able to put down for your initial down payment, the more competitive you may be in a multiple offer scenario.

Putting Down Less Than 20% for a Condo Down Payment

Although first time buyers may be approved for mortgages with these initial down payments, it is not always the best choice for buyers to purchase a property when they can only put a small amount of money down.

Whenever your down payment is below 20% of the price of the home, you will also need to purchase private mortgage insurance, or PMI.

PMI is used by the lender as insurance if you stop making payments on your mortgage. This can be added on to your closing costs in the form of a monthly payment or a lump sum payment up front.

If you can afford to put 20% down on a property, then you may be saving in the long run by avoiding additional costs from PMI.

Veteran Benefits for Condo Down Payments

One category that also changes your status in regards to down payment, is your veteran status.

If you’ve served in the military in the United States, you qualify for special veteran home buying mortgages that allow you to put 0% down and just pay the closing costs. This is an excellent benefit for our armed service veterans.

If you have experience serving in the military, definitely check out programs specialized for you!

Saving up for a down payment can be intimidating, but it’s something every first time home buyer goes through! Our team of experienced real estate experts have plenty of lender connections to help you find out what option may be best for you and your budget when figuring out what you can afford for a condo down payment.

Connect us today to get started!

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